NAIMA Gives OSHA Third Annual Report On Worker Protection Program 

ALEXANDRIA, VA — May 29, 2002 — The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) has successfully completed major steps of a comprehensive, voluntary work practice program developed in conjunction with the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and key contractor organizations. This achievement comes on the three-year anniversary of the official endorsement of the Health and Safety Partnership Program (HSPP). Adopted on May 18, 1999, the HSPP is designed to protect worker health and safety by providing specific and uniform job site work practice recommendations for the manufacture, fabrication and installation of fiber glass, rock wool, and slag wool insulation products. The HSPP also provides a comprehensive education and training program for workers.

In its third annual report to OSHA, NAIMA reiterated the industry’s commitments to the HSPP and described how those commitments were satisfied. The report documented that NAIMA has not only fulfilled the obligations scheduled for completion by May 2002, but has surpassed them.

During the third year of implementation of the HSPP, NAIMA expanded its Exposure Database with additional information about exposure levels categorized by product type and specific work task. NAIMA released a publication entitled "Exposure Data For Fiber Glass, Rock Wool & Slag Wool Under The Health and Safety Partnership Program," which gives workers and employers information about the level of potential exposure to fiber glass, rock wool or slag wool for a given task. NAIMA’s Exposure Database is managed and maintained by Arizona State University.

In discussing the Exposure Database, Ken Mentzer, NAIMA’s President & CEO noted that "relying on a single source for current data on exposure levels for fiber glass, rock and slag wool helps workers and employers make certain they are taking appropriate action to ensure worker comfort and safety. NAIMA and its members have a long-standing commitment to the safe manufacture and use of insulation. The active implementation of the HSPP, including providing information on exposure levels, is a natural extension of that commitment."

The Third Annual Report demonstrates the success of the NAIMA and OSHA partnership in launching the HSPP. As the coming years of full implementation unfold, NAIMA remains confident that with OSHA’s support the HSPP will continue to be a success in promoting safe work practices and a testament to effective government/industry partnerships.